Trial Delayed for Casper Man Accused of Sexually Abusing Children

A Casper man who is accused of sexually abusing three children over the course of several months had his trial delayed Tuesday morning.

Douglas Clayton Jones could face up to 105 years in prison if convicted of the six charges filed against him: three counts each of second- and third-degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Natrona County District Court Judge Thomas Sullins ordered competency evaluations for the alleged victims and their guardians, and ordered the trial -- originally set for Dec. 11 -- postponed pending the outcomes of those evaluations.

Attorneys were also heard on whether evidence of "prior bad acts" by Jones should be admitted during trial. Sullins will rule on that motion later.

Two victims, in separate forensic interviews at the Children's Advocacy Project, reportedly told similar stories about how the alleged abuse occurred.

"I don't know why [Jones] said it was a secret, I think that it was just because he thought he would get in trouble," one victim reportedly said.

Court documents say at least one of the victims' family members -- besides their mother, who made the report to police -- knew about the alleged abuse, but didn't believe that Jones was committing the acts.

Jones was arrested after meeting with authorities at the Casper Police Department, but declining to speak about the allegations, on Aug. 10.

He pleaded not guilty to all six counts during his arraignment in September. Jones remains free on $50,000 bond.